Reusable Trocar With Thermoplastic Handle

GMD Inc. introduces a reusable trocar with a thermoplastic handle. The medical instrument, which is used to implant GMD’s Universal Sling™ for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, is made of 20 percent glass-filled Udel® GF-120 polysulfone (PSU) resin from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC for strong chemical resistance, low shrinkage, and excellent autoclave resistance (a minimum of 50 cycles). The plastic-handled trocar also reduces cost by 75% over the previous all-metal version.

The PSU-handled instrument replaces the all-metal trocar which was prohibitively more expensive and more complicated to manufacture and assemble. “Solvay delivered the enabling material technology that made this a game-changer for us,” said Shawn Lunney, GMD’s vice president, sales and marketing. “We were able to meet strict industry standards and deliver a high-performance, cost-effective equivalent.” For certain procedures including the implanting of GMD’s Female Universal Urinary Incontinence Sling, providers can now opt for GMD’s reusable trocar to lower overall cost per procedure, explained Lunney.

The reusable trocar consists of a stainless steel needle and inner handle that is overmolded with Udel PSU. The overmolded instrument offers the weight and feel of metal, along with the reusability and cost effectiveness of plastic. Initial testing of other polymers including glass-filled polycarbonate showed cracking due to residual stress or poor autoclave resistance and poor surface finish. Glass-filled Udel GF-120 provided lower shrinkage to reduce stress over the metal insert. Other key features include strong chemical resistance and excellent steam autoclavability. Solvay provided several recommendations to reduce residual stress and improve the appearance of the finished part.